Dr. Patricia K. McLelland

Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology

A LITTLE ABOUT ME

I started focusing on medicine as a career after I was very ill at age 16. It changed my focus and perspective. Due to my experiences, I believed that improving health is one of the best gifts I could give to others. I went into Obstetrics and Gynecology to empower women to greater health. This mission hasn’t changed throughout my career. At this time, I am able to do this on a personal basis with my patients but also able to promote quality and safety in the position I hold in one of the local hospitals.

I went to Vanderbilt University because I knew they had an excellent pre-med program, I graduated manga cum laude with a double major in Mathematics and Chemistry. I stayed at Vanderbilt for medical school and graduated in the top 10% of my class. I did my Ob/Gyn residency at Emory in Atlanta. I spent the majority of my time at Grady Hospital, a large indigent hospital. I saw almost every problem associated with pregnancy, even kept a running tally in my Obstetrics textbook! I practiced briefly in Atlanta but quickly realized I wanted a slower pace, less traffic and to be able to enjoy the outdoors. I moved to Portland Oregon and practiced there for 5 wonderful years and then eventually moved back home to Chattanooga.

I am married to a wonderful guy, have one son, who is a ton of fun, and we have a beautiful golden retriever. I love to read (almost anything) and I still have a voracious appetite for reading medical literature. My family and I love the outdoors. I love to hike, climb, ski, bike, essentially almost any outdoor activity that I can also enjoy with my family. Being outside, being part of the beauty of creation continually reminds me of the need to recharge in order to serve others. One of my favorite quotes is from Parker Palmer: “Self-care is never a selfish act – it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.” Parker Palmer

I SPECIALIZE IN:

Women’s Services

Obstetrics/Pregnancy Care

Labor & Delivery

Gynecology/Women’s Medicine and Surgery

3D/4D Ultrasound

Birthing Classes

I'M LOCATED AT

Galen Obstetrics & Gynecology

1651 Gunbarrel Road, Suite 201

Chattanooga, TN 37421

Call: (423) 899-9133

Fax: (423) 899-8176

BEEN IN PRACTICE:

Since 1998.

MY CARE PHILOSOPHY:

The reason I became an Ob/Gyn was to empower women to become the healthiest they can be. My desire is to partner with women through each stage of life as they experience new challenges and unique opportunities to improve their health. So much of being healthy and feeling good is related to lifestyle. Almost every health problem has a component of lifestyle that can be changed for the better. Women will feel better if they combine lifestyle changes with appropriate medical interventions. My role in promoting health is teaching, walking along side women as they make healthier choices in addition to offering appropriate medical interventions. Through my training I am an expert on women’s health and the patient is an expert on who they are and their needs. Recognizing there are two experts and capitalizing on the strengths of both will only improve each woman’s health.

SERVICES & PATIENT RESOURCES:

Women’s healthcare services require compassion and expertise. Here at Galen OB/GYN we provide comprehensive, specialized obstetric and gynecological care with the highest regard for patient satisfaction to meet a woman’s needs throughout her lifetime. Whether you are planning a family, staying healthy with routine care, or having health difficulties, our provider’s have the wisdom and medical expertise to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.

Galen’s Labor and Delivery teams are here to help make your birthing experience everything you want it to be. We work closely with you to support your healthcare choices, such as medicated or non-medicated labor and other birthing practices or aids. We strive for a vaginal delivery and only recommend a C-section if your health or your baby’s health is at risk.

Labor and Delivery expectations:

Support for your birth plan, your delivery team will work with you to support your birth plan choices, including:

Having an medicated or non-medicated labor

Having a support, family members, or friends present at the time of your child’s birth

Breastfeeding support

Skin-to-skin bonding time immediately after delivey

Immediate access to specialty care, mothers who deliver with Galen have healthy pregnancies and uncomplicated deliveries. However, if additional care is required for you or your baby:

Our High-Risk Obstetrics team specializes in providing the most advanced, nurturing care for complex health problems.

Our Neonatology team provides word class care for newborn babies with critical or special care needs.

Comfort management during labor available 24 hours a day:

For women who desire a medicated labor or require a C-section, our obstetric anesthesia service is always available in Labor and Delivery.